Tire-protector.



W. GULLEDGE.

TIREAPROTECTOH.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 23.4918.

1,291,853, Patented Jan.21,1919. j.

660237@ /4/ @aa/"Ze @ya srars i GEORGE W. GULLEDGE, OF BRIARTOWN, OKLAHOM.

TIRE-ritorneron.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 21, 1919.

Application led February 23, 1918. Serial No. 218,779.

State of Oklahoma, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tire-Protectors, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to tire protectors, and more particularly to a tire protector of the chain type.

One of the main objects of the invention is to provide a tire protector of simple construction and operation so constructed as to fit snugly about the tire so as to inclose and protect the same, this protector being composed of elements so shaped as to provide traction gripping members which serve to prevent skidding of the wheels. A further object is to provide a protector of relatively great cxibility which will t about the tread portion and the sides of the tire, this protector being provided with means forv quickly and easily securing the same to the rim in which the tire is mounted. Further objects will appear from the detailed description.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a fragmentary view of a protector constructed in accordance with my invention shown in extended or spread condition.

Fig. 2 is an edge view of the same.

In constructing my tire protector I employ a plurality of links 1, these links being composed of the four integrally connected arcuate elelnents The links 1 are so disposed as to'have the elements 2 thereof alined transversely and longitudinally of the protector. The adjacent elements 2 of these links are loosely secured together by connecting links 3 secured about the same at the centers thereof. By this means, the

l elements composing the body of the chain or protector are loosely secured together so that, when not in use, the chain may be readily folded 'and the series of links which extend transversely of the protector placed in superposed relation, so fis to occupy but very little space.

This protector thus formed is, of such width as to lit about the tread portion and the sides of the tire to which it is applied. To permit the protector to be readily applied. I provide attaching means at each side thereof which are adapted to engage with the edge fianges of the rim so lis to detachably secure the protector in position. Each of the links 1n at each side edge of the protector is provided with a Securing hook which is loosely secured at its inner end, by an integral eye 5, to the outer arcuate element 2 of the link. Thishook 4 is provided at its outer end with an. arcuate bill or finger (i formed integral therewith, the hook and this finger being iliade from resilient material. Finger G is so curved as,

to engage over the flange at the side of the rim which carries the tire on which the protector is mounted. In applying the protcctor, the hooks at one side are engaged over the flange at that side of the wheel, after which the hooks at the other side are engaged over the other flange. The protector is of: such width that the second series of hooks engage tightly over the rim flange, being forced into position so as to cause the arcuate fingers G to engage. tightly about the rim. lVhen the two sets of securing hooks are thus secured to the flanges of the rim7 the protector is secured about the tire so as to completely inclose the same. This I protector acts in this manner as a reinforcing member for the tire to prevent blowmg out thereof, and also serves as an antlskid device and to protect the tire, to a lgreat extent, from injury. This protector is of very simple construction and may be produced at relatively small cost, and as above noted, may be readily applied.

What I claim is: r

A tire protector comprising a plurality of links each comprisingr circumfeentially spaced, substantially quarter circular arcuate elements, connecting links secured about adjacent arcuate elements whereby the said first mentioned links are held in equally spaced relation, the length of the said arcuate elements being relatively great whereby the said connecting links are free to move for permitting the larger links to be folded upon each other to occupy a minimum space.

In testimony whereof I aix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

D. E. HnnsoHELiirAN, W. T. PATTERSON. 

